PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, August 8, declared that no new casino would be allowed to open in the country.
"I hate gambling. I do not want it. There will be no casinos outside of what are existing. I am not granting anything," Duterte said in his speech during the 117th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Crame Wednesday, August 8.
The President made the pronouncement after he mentioned that he has fired the entire board of directors of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation following its controversial 70-year lease contract with Chinese casino investor Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corporation.
"Yesterday, I fired the council of Nayong Pilipino. All of them. You do not give gambling licenses or franchises for 75 years. I mean to say that (if a) child is born today and 75 years later, he is that old (there will still be a casino)," Duterte said.
The President said he would not allow gambling to proliferate in the country.
"Basta gambling, ayoko (I don't want gambling). Better look for something more enticing to wager [on] money," he said.
In a Cabinet meeting held Monday, August 6, Duterte announced his decision to fire the entire Nayong Pilipino board and management over the "ridiculous" lease contract that was "grossly disadvantageous to the government."
His decision was announced at the launch of the controversial $1.5-billion project with Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp. at the Enterainment City in ParaƱaque.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said on Tuesday, August 7, that the President had aired his exasperation over the "flawed" lease contract with Landing Resorts.
"He cited the case of the Nayong Pilipino which leased government property for ridiculous long period of time of 70 years beyond the lifetime of anyone and he considered this as a contract which was grossly disadvantageous to the government," the Palace official said.
In a statement, Nayong Pilipino chairperson Patricia Ocampo denied the allegation that the foundation's board and management officials committed graft. (SunStar Philippines)